Guiseley ended a very demanding eight days with a much-needed - and some would say overdue - victory after four defeats on the trot had dropped them out of the play-off chase and dumped them out of the cup.

During that testing period, from the previous Saturday to hosting Matlock Town at the weekend, Guiseley had to play four games. It was a draining schedule that would have had the Premiership's best-stocked squads pushed to the limit.

Given Guiseley's very modest numbers on the playing staff, it was no great surprise that they had a tough time.

Back-to-back UniBond Premier Division defeats were followed by Conference League play-off hopefuls Harrogate Town ending Guiseley's dreams of retaining the West Riding County Cup they won last season.

Three points from the visit of Matlock was scant reward for the efforts of everyone at the club but it was the least they deserved, although Matlock will disagree.

It was unfortunate for the Derbyshire outfit that this was the game Guiseley got Lady Luck to smile on them.

The home side had gone close, with a Stevie Ball free-kick and a shot from Matty Smithard, before they scored the game's only goal just after the half-hour.

Tony Lennon and Smithard combined well on the right flank and set up David Cooke, who

netted from 12 yards.

After the break, a Ball free-kick led to Chris Clarke having a shot saved and Cooke, Scott Jackson and Danny Forrest had all kept the Matlock keeper on his toes.

The visitors had their moments and home goalkeeper Matthew Taylor had to make at least two fine saves to ensure his side stayed in front.

Guiseley boss Neil Parsley said: "It is nice to get back to winning ways. It wasn't vintage stuff but it was a very welcome three points.

"In the second half they had territorial advantage and put us under pressure. If they feel hard done by then I can sympathise but in this business it doesn't extend beyond that. No-one feels sorry for you and if you begin to feel sorry for yourself that is the beginning of the end.

"It was disappointing to go out of the County Cup but Harrogate were stronger and better organised on the pitch. Frickley last Tuesday was the one that I can't accept. We did enough to win that and ended up losing 2-1."